Calling all working with under 5s in the Midlands and further North. We are holding a workshop day on June 29th in the Crewe area called "FANNING THE FLAMES". It promises to be an amazing day inspiring us all in our work with the youngest children. Get in touch for more information.

Members of the Ci2eye Network will be interested to hear that Ci2eye's very own Judith Twani and her 'African Connections, husband Siya, are leading a workshop at Happy Talk: Language and Communication in the Early Years event taking place on Saturday 12th. May 2012, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Albert Hall Conference Centre, Nottingham:

'Let's talk about... me!' Supporting children's ability to communicate about their homes, families and cultures weaving in connections with the revised EYFS. Exploring identity - getting the participants involved in talking about who they think they are and how they describe themselves. Looking at how we can encourage children to talk about what is important to them using Treasure boxes/Culture boxes. Demonstrating how a box of objects and photos of things special to someone can encourage a lot of discussion.

Meet Judith and Siya along with Katrice Horsley, National Storytelling Laureate, Michael Jones ... and be inspired to move your own training to heigher heights.

Workshops'Katalyst Tales' - Katrice Horsley has worked widely as a storyteller and educator and is a director of the Midlands-based Traditional Arts Foundation. On receiving the news and accepting her appointment as the nation’s second ever National Storytelling Laureate, Katrice Horsley said, “My toes are curled up to the sky with joy and I look forward to making my contribution.”

'Storyshaping' - Julia Damassa (as seen on Dragon’s Den, 2010). Practical Pre-School Awards, “It promoted the development of language, literacy and communication skills, as well as creativity, imagination, and personal, social and emotional development through building confidence and self-esteem." Winner of the 2009/10 Nasen Award for Inclusive Primary Classroom Resource and top in Scholastic’s "Ten of the best - Creative writing resources.” ‘Supporting quiet children' - Michael Jones, Early Years trainer and writer with a background in Speech and Language Therapy and teaching. Michael was an Early Language Consultant on the national 'Every Child a Talker' project.Why are some children confident and happy talkers at home, but very quiet or totally silent in our Early Years settings and school? Are they shy? Very quiet? Or do they have Selective Mutism? We will explore this much-neglected subject, and how making positive links with home can be the first step to confident talking.

'Double speak' how twins develop their language - Janet O'Keefe. Language development in twins from 0-5 years including tips on support and when to refer on.

‘Ready Steady Drum!’ – supporting children and staff through music - expert percussionist Sarah Westwood, will introduce you to her highly successful drumming programme for Early Years, using nothing more than beautifully coloured washing up bowls and drumsticks for small hands. Great fun for all, ‘Ready Steady Drum!’ provides an inspiring musical foundation for children, and is strongly linked to language development, numeracy, physical co-ordination and social skills. A very accessible programme that provides a welcome boost to staff confidence with music-leading.

The Revised EYFS... just one more day until the latest consultation closes. Are we going to be prepared for delivery by September? Ci2eye is running a day workshop called "Playing with the Revised EYFS" on 19th May in Loughton, Essex. Costs £15 for members and £20 for non-members. Speakers are Dr Andrew Lockett and Judith Twani along with other contributions from Ci2eye members. Come along to be informed, inspired and energised. Contact me for more details...Judith Twani

Great to have Judith working with us, new members and settings are joining us. If you work in Early Years, please check our website and join us for the workshop in May, it's will be a good opportunity for us to network together and support each other!!

I am hoping you might be able to help me out. As part of my degree in childrens and youth ministry I am researching Infant Baptism in the Anglican Church for my dissertation, so would be really grateful if you or anyone that you know connected to an Anglican Church could complete the questionnaire below for me?

A group for anyone involved in or interested in setting up a Messy Church for children and families in their setting. Space to share ideas and stories and to get in touch with others who can support you and your group.

"Additional Needs Alliance Forum 2015
Friday February 6th 2.15 - 5.30 pmInternational Lawn Tennis Centre, Eastbourne
Price: £15 (Includes Tea/coffee/biscuits)
There will be sessions on using Godly Play with children who have additional needs,…"

Additional Needs Alliance Forum 2015Friday February 6th 2.15 - 5.30 pm International Lawn Tennis Centre, EastbournePrice: £15 (Includes Tea/coffee/biscuits)There will be sessions on using Godly Play with children who have additional needs, supporting children who are fostered/adopted, working with children & young people who have learning disabilities, and (TBC) Supporting Children and Families coping with bereavement.For more information: …See More

I'm thinking about starting a new group just for resources – what's new and fresh, what folks are using, how to adapt material, a kidmin bucket list, etc.Do you think this would be worth while? Does it already exist?See More